MVP to assemble NBA stars anew for exhibition

MANILA, Philippines – Samahang Basketball ng Pilipinas president and business tycoon Manny Pangilinan is planning to hold another charity basketball event in the Philippines this year featuring NBA stars.

The sports patron turned to Twitter to announce his plan to pit some NBA stars in a possible match-up with the FIBA World Cup-bound Gilas Pilipinas, dubbed "Gilas Last Home Stand."

Happy to announce that PLDT HOME will bring in the biggest basketball charity event ever! Blake, Damien, Truth, Demar in #GilasLastHOMEStand

— Manny V. Pangilinan (@iamMVP) June 25, 2014

Pangilinan, chief backer of Gilas Pilipinas, is referring to high-flying Blake Griffin of the Los Angeles Clippers, 2013 Rookie of the Year Damian Lillard of the Portland Trailblazers, and All-stars Paul Pierce and Demar Derozan of the Brooklyn nets and Toronto Raptors, respectively.

National team head coach Chot Reyes expressed delight in Pangilinan's announcement.

OMG! Blake, Damian, Demar, the TRUTH in THE biggest basketball charity event ever! #GilasLastHOMEStand - stay tuned for more details! #PUSO!

— Chot Reyes (@coachot) June 25, 2014

The exhibition game serves as Pangilinan's way of celebrating his 68th birthday.

Iba mag birthday si @iamMVP - sya nagreregalo sa ating mga die-hard hoop fans. Salamat boss!

— Chot Reyes (@coachot) June 25, 2014

In 2011, Pangilinan also organized the Smart Ultimate All-Star Weekend at the Araneta Coliseum. Among the NBA stars who graced the event were Kobe Bryant, Kevin Durant, Derrick Rose, Derrick Williams, Derek Fisher, Tyreke Evans and JaVale McGee. They suited up in exhibition games against Smart-Gilas Pilipinas and a PBA-backed squad.

This time, NBA stars will face the national basketball team as part of the latter’s preparation for its FIBA World Cup stint.

The charity event is scheduled to take place from July 22-23 at the Araneta Coliseum.